In Episode 99 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley look back at the year that was. The highs, the lows, the situations that tested their resolve and the triumphs that fueled them to keep moving forward. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida

In Episode 98 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Tracy are joined by Brian Postlewait, the COO of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. Brian explains the role of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida in lobby for and allocating funds to organizations working to combat our homelessness crisis. Hear how an executive order issued by President Trump has impacted their ability to provide critical services to those in our communities in the most need. Brian and Scott also shed light on the fact that the actual demographics of our homeless population vary drastically from what most people assume and from what much of our media portrays. Brian will be back in January to continue this conversation. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida

In Episode 97 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss what Thanksgiving week is like for many of the guests they serve that are experiencing homelessness. Learn how some of their guests will spend this week with family and friends that won’t even know they are homeless. Plus, hear their message for all those that feel moved to serve those less fortunate during this week of Thanksgiving. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida

In Episode 96 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley share the significance of transitional housing within their Moving Forward Program. Learn how they determine good candidates, what expectations they have for them and what the differences are between transitional housing and a shelter. Plus, find out the status of the long-anticipated transitional housing units on their Brevard campus. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida

In Episode 95 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Tracy are joined by Vickie and Wayne, two current guests of Matthew’s Hope. These are the Real Faces of Homelessness. As you observe Veterans Day this year, please take some time to listen to the story of Wayne, a Navy Seal and Army Ranger who served his country faithfully and is a purple heart recipient with shrapnel still lodged in his leg. Now, in their 70s, Wayne and his wife are without a home for the first time in their life after their landlord of nearly 10 years recently sold the house they were renting. The lack of affordable housing in our area has left them unable to find and qualify for a new place to call their own despite their strong work ethics. With the help of Matthew’s Hope, they are now connected with the VA and are beginning to receive benefits that they have been entitled to for decades. Their story is becoming much too common as baby boomers account for an increasing percentage of new, first-time homeless individuals in our area. As the demographics of homelessness shift, Matthew’s Hope is having to evolve and find new ways to assist their individuals and families. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida #veteransday #veteran #navyseal #armyranger #purplehearts TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:20 – Trailer 1:20-1:59 – Intros 2:00-2:37 – Affordable housing crisis in Florida 2:38- 4:30 – How a Navy SEAL and Army Ranger recently became homeless along with his wife 4:31-9:02 – Wayne’s military service, experience, awards and commendations including a purple heart 9:03-9:44 – Wayne’s career after the military and refusal to retire 9:45-11:31 – Trying to get Wayne and Vickie the benefits they deserve from the military 11:32-19:19 – Wayne and Vickie’s experience being homeless for the first time in their lives in their 70s 19:20-25:52 – How Matthew’s Hope is changing Wayne and Vickie’s lives 25:52-27:59 – “It can happen to anybody” so be careful before you judge 28:00-33:03 – How Matthew’s Hope is having to adapt their programs to fit the changing demographics of homelessness 33:04-36:30 – Wayne and Vickie’s goals moving forward 36:31-END – Closing thoughts

“There is no winner in this.” ~Pastor Scott In Episode 94 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss the impact that the current government shutdown is having on their ability to serve those experiencing homelessness in our area. While Matthew’s Hope does not rely heavily on tax-payer funding, many of the organizations they partner with do and that has a wide-ranging impact on them and the people they serve. They also discuss SNAP benefits and how the reality of those that rely on them often differs from the stereotypes. Plus, what rising health insurance costs will mean for those that need care the most. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida

In Episode 93 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Tracy and Shelley are joined by David, a current guest of Matthew’s Hope. David is living in one of Matthew’s Hope’s transitional housing units while working his way through the Moving Forward Program. Hear how difficult it was for him to find and keep affordable housing despite being employed and having roommates. And learn what his goals are now as he works to build the foundation for the rest of his life. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida

In Episode 92 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss some real-world examples of Toxic Charity. Hear why doing the wrong thing for the right reason is still the wrong thing. Most of us have had experiences in public where someone approaches and asks for a few dollars to help them out. Maybe at the red light, maybe walking into a store or maybe waiting for a bus. It can sometimes be difficult to balance empathy and not wanting to look through someone while also being careful not to enable a dangerous habit or possible fall victim to a scam. Pastor Scott and Shelley give advice for how to handle several common scenarios you may face. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida